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I. DAVID'S CARRIAGE TO GOD.

1. The inclination of a Christian's heart to God, and his simple propensity towards Him. There are three notions in which we may took upon God, according to either of which the soul of a Christian is inclined and carried after Him. First, as the Author of nature. Secondly, as the Giver of grace. Thirdly, as the Bestower of glory and eternal life. All these three are considerable in God, and in reference to all of them are a Christian's desires after God, and his soul does propend towards him.

2. A Christian's importunity. A good Christian, if he be in some distance and separation from God for a time, yet cannot long be content to be so. This may be made good unto us according to a twofold explication; whether ye take it of a distance and separation in regard of spirit, a state of spiritual desertion; or whether ye take it of a distance and separation in regard of the means; a deprivation of the public ordinances and ministerial dispensations. A good Christian cannot long content himself in either of these estrangements from God; but while it is thus with him, his soul does follow hard after him. Let us therefore so carry ourselves that we may not provoke God to deal thus with as. It is a great deal better for us, and more kindly, and more to be wished for, that our desires should be carried after these things for the excellency which is in the things themselves, and our own closing with them, than from want and deprival of them. For which cause it concerns us to prevent God, that He may not be forced to deal so with us.

3. A Christian's adherence, "My soul cleaveth to Thee"; so some translations render it; and indeed it is most agreeable to the original text, which signifies to adhere (Genesis 2:24; Proverbs 18:24). This cleaving implies three things: union as the foundation of it; fastening as the progress of it; perseverance as the accomplishment. Now, to quicken us so much the more to the practice of this present duty, which is here in David's example commended to our imitation, let us further consider this with ourselves, that there is nothing else which is, indeed, fitting for our souls to cleave unto but God alone.

II. GOD'S CARRIAGE TO HIM. "Thy right hand," etc.

1. By the right hand of God, we are in one word to understand, His strengthening and confirming grace; which is called His right hand, in regard of the powerfulness of it, and dexterity for the preserving of His people. This is that which (as David here signifies) is extended and stretched forth to this purpose, as to himself, so to all other Christians, "who are kept by the power of God, through faith unto salvation" (1 Peter 1:5). This upholding of God's right hand, thus explained, is often mentioned to us in Scripture (Psalm 138:7; Psalm 139:10; Song of Solomon 2:6). And many such places as these, all coming to this purpose, to show unto us God's almighty power and grace in the supportment of His servants. This is seen, and does discover itself especially in two particulars.

(1) As to matter of sin, upholds me that I fall not into that.

(2) As to matter of affliction, upholds me that I sink not under that.

2. But why is the power of God in His stablishing and assisting grace expressed by the name of His "right hand," here and in other places? We may conceive for three reasons especially.

(1) As it is a hand of strength, the right hand is such, it has more strength than the other hand has. And so is it with the grace of God. "The right hand of the Lord hath the pre-eminence," as we find it twice there repeated (Psalm 118:15, 16); hence, also, called a right hand of power in others (Matthew 26:64; and Mark 14:62), etc.

(2) As it is a hand of readiness, it is more expedite and ready to be used than the other is, and therefore we express all expediteness by a word taken from hence, which we call dexterity. So is God's grace where it puts forth itself, it is very ready and expediting, and He Himself is ready presently to use it upon any occasion, for the good of His servants.

(3) As an hand of success. It is the right hand so, forasmuch as whatever it takes in hand prospers to it, and does infallibly obtain its effect.

(T. Horton, D. D.)

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KJV: My soul followeth hard after thee: thy right hand upholdeth me.

WEB: My soul stays close to you. Your right hand holds me up.